Mexican Burger

If you’ve been craving a burger that’s anything but ordinary, these Mexican burgers are the way to go. We’ve taken the classic beef patty and given it a bold, south-of-the-border makeover. With a blend of aromatic spices, fresh cilantro and gooey aged cheddar cheese mixed right into the meat, these burgers deliver big on flavor.

Whether you’re hosting a summer cookout or looking to spice up your weeknight dinner routine, these burgers will transport your taste buds straight to Mexico with every bite.

Ingredients for Mexican Burgers

• Panko bread crumbs: Panko bread crumbs are much larger than regular bread crumbs. They help bind the burger ingredients and lend a crunchy finish to the patties.
• Onion: Finely chopped red onion adds a hint of sweetness and crunch.
• Cilantro: Chopped fresh cilantro adds an herbal note and provides a quintessentially Mexican flavor to the burgers.
• Cumin: A key spice in Mexican cuisine, ground cumin adds warmth and earthiness to these Mexican burgers.
• Beef: Ground beef forms the base of these juicy burgers.
• Cheese: Shredded aged cheddar cheese melts as the patties are grilled, imparting a cheesy taste and gooey texture.
• Avocado: A medium-ripe avocado forms the base of the Mexican burger topping, imparting a creamy texture. Here’s how to tell if an avocado is ripe.
• Lime juice: Freshly squeezed lime juice offers brightness and zest.
• Sour cream: The addition of sour cream makes the spread rich and tangy.
• Garlic: A clove of garlic imparts a pungent aroma and flavor to the spread.
• Hot pepper sauce: The hot pepper sauce amps up the spice of the avocado spread.
• Hamburger buns: Toasted hamburger buns hold the patties and absorb the creaminess of the avocado spread. Here’s how to make hamburger buns at home.

Directions

Step 1: Prepare the patty mixture

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In a large bowl, combine the bread crumbs, red onion, cilantro, salt, pepper and cumin. Add the ground beef and shredded cheddar cheese. Mix gently but thoroughly until properly combined.

Editor’s Tip: Don’t overmix the meat mixture, as this can lead to tough burgers.

Step 2: Form and chill the patties

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Divide the mixture into six equal portions, and shape each into a 1/2-inch thick patty. Place the patties on a plate and cover with plastic wrap, then refrigerate for 30 minutes to firm up.

Step 3: Grill the burgers

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Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Grill the burgers, covered, until they reach an internal temperature of 160°F, three to four minutes on each side.

Editor’s Tip: For juicier Mexican burgers, avoid pressing down on them with a spatula while cooking—this will squeeze out the flavorful juices.

Step 4: Prepare the avocado spread

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In a small bowl, mash the ripe avocado with the lime juice. Stir in the sour cream, garlic, salt and hot pepper sauce until well combined.

Step 5: Assemble and serve

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Toast the burger buns lightly on the grill. Place a burger patty on each bun and top with a generous spoonful of the avocado spread.

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Mexican Burger Variations

• Amp up the heat: For spicier burgers, add diced jalapenos to the meat mixture, and use pepper jack cheese in place of cheddar.
• Make them extra cheesy: Before serving, top each Mexican burger with additional slices of aged cheddar or American cheese for a fusion.
• Make them vegetarian-friendly: For a vegetarian version of these Mexican burgers, replace the ground beef with a plant-based meat substitute.
• Add more toppings: Add lettuce, tomato and pickled jalapenos for more texture and flavor in your Mexican burger.
• Swap with guac: Replace the avocado spread with your favorite grocery-store guacamole, if you want to save on time.

How to Store Mexican Burgers

The grilled Mexican burger patties can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Store the patties separately from the buns and toppings to prevent them from getting soggy.

Can you make Mexican burgers ahead of time?

You can easily prepare the mixture for the patties and the avocado spread up to a day in advance. Keep the patty mix refrigerated until ready to shape and throw on the grill. Store the avocado spread in an airtight container in the fridge.

Can you freeze Mexican burgers?

You can freeze uncooked Mexican burger patties by placing the shaped patties on a baking sheet and freezing them until solid. Transfer the patties into freezer-safe zip-top bags and store them for up to three months. Thaw them in the refrigerator before putting them on the grill.

Mexican Burger Tips

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What sides go well with Mexican burgers?

These Mexican burgers pair perfectly with any Mexican-inspired sides, like a Mexican street corn salad, chips and homemade salsa or even a Mexican layered salad. For a classic burger combo, serve them with a side of oven-baked fries.

Can you make Mexican burgers in a skillet instead of on the grill?

Absolutely! In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the burgers for four to five minutes per side, or until they reach the desired internal temperature of 160°.

What’s the best cheese to use for Mexican burgers?

While aged cheddar works well in this recipe, for a more authentic Mexican flavor, use Oaxaca cheese or sliced Manchego cheese. You can also top the burgers with crumbled queso fresco for a fresh and tangy contrast.

How to prevent the avocado spread from browning?

Make the avocado spread just before serving to ensure maximum freshness. In case you need to make these burgers ahead of time, press plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the bowl to minimize the spread’s exposure to air. Here’s our guide to more tricks to prevent an avocado from turning brown.